Saleha Jabeen: US Military's First India-Born Female Muslim Chaplain

Mumbai: India-born Muslim woman Saleha Jabeen has been made Chaplain (Advisor in Religious Affairs) in the US Army. This is the first time any Indian has been given this responsibility.

Saleha Jabeen appointed as Chaplain:

Saleha is a graduate of the Air Force Chaplin Course. The graduation ceremony took place here on 5 February. On this occasion, Saleha Jabeen said that I am proud to be appointed to this post and now I can say that Army can be a field of service for anyone.

I have never had to compromise on my religious beliefs. People have respected me as a woman, religious leader and immigrant. I have had many opportunities to learn, which has led to me as a successful officer and mentor of religion.

"I did not have to compromise on any of my religious beliefs or convictions. Also, surrounded with people who respect me and are willing to receive what I bring to the table as a woman, a faith leader, and an immigrant,” she said.

What Jabeen says:

"I am provided with numerous opportunities to learn and develop skills that best equip me to be a successful officer and a chaplain in a pluralistic environment,” Jabeen said.

"I get to provide spiritual care to all service members, guardians and families and advise the commanders on religious and moral matters regardless of my faith, ethnicity or gender. Like our boss says, it has never been a better time to serve as a chaplain in the US Air Force Chaplain Corps,” she said.

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Saleha received a commission as a second lieutenant in December at the Catholic Theological Union, Chicago. She came from India fourteen years ago as a student.

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